Mandarin Oriental, Canouan

The Mandarin Oriental Canouan is the best kept secret in the Caribbean for luxury travelers. The resort reopened only a few weeks ago after recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Beryl. The island is friendly and accommodating to tourists. The 1,200-acre Canouan Estate property is mostly a nature preserve with two private beaches in addition to the main beach at the resort. Shell Beach is still under repair. It is a vigorous 2.5-mi walk from the hotel, and offers a calmer Atlantic-side beach for swimming and water sports. L’Ance Guyac Beach, a short van ride to the Caribbean side of the island, features a quiet, protected cove for snorkeling as well as an open air French-inspired restaurant. The Mandarin staff will arrange excursions pretty much anywhere you wish to explore on the island. There is also an 18-hole golf course on the estate, but we did not play during this trip. We were delighted to be assigned a butler upon check-in. Our butler, Rayshorn, was incredibly helpful, and it’s clear that the Mandarin prioritizes customer service training for all of its associates. Our suite had a stunning ocean view with the ability to open the massive terrace doors to the enjoy the tropical breeze. We enjoyed a relaxing couples massage at the spa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. While the property and amenities are 5-star, it’s really the people that make the place truly special. We will be back again and again.

Never have I felt more at home while being away. The warm smiles from every staff member, the cozy reading nooks scattered throughout, and the incredibly comfortable beds made this stay unforgettable. The evening social hours were a wonderful touch, allowing us to meet fellow travelers. The location was perfect, and the concierge's recommendations were spot-on every time.

The level of professionalism here is truly outstanding. Every interaction, from check-in to check-out, was handled with efficiency and grace. The staff are clearly well-trained and take pride in their work, which shows in the flawless execution of their duties. Yet despite this high level of professionalism, there's also a warmth and friendliness that makes you feel genuinely welcomed.